On The Line GARDEN CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Yianni and all of our science research students. They have worked tirelessly to compete at this level.” ... City Public Schools! ...

GARDEN CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

On The LineSPRING 2015 www.gardencity.k12.ny.us Vol. 16 • No. 2

April 22: Regular Board MeetingDistrict Budget Adoption

May 12: Regular Work SessionBudget Hearing

May 19, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Budget Vote and ElectionGarden City High School

All meetings are held at 8:15 p.m. at Garden City High School

Proposed 2015-2016 District Budget Fourth Year Within the Tax Cap

School Calendar Adjustment

Due to the weather-related school closings this winter, Garden City Public Schools will be in session on Tuesday, May 26th and Friday, June 26th.

Remaining Budget Meetings

Fast Facts: The Proposed Budget:

• $110,158,627• Budget-to-Budget increase:

$751,489• Projected tax levy increase: 0.67%

(with STAR)• For the fourth year, stays within

the tax levy limit• Requires a simple majority for

passage• Preserves and extends the

academic program that prepares our students for college

• Adds athletics and co-curricular programs

• Provides resources for technology upgrades

• Provides resources for security upgrades, district-wide

• Maintains RtI, the continuum of special education services, and opportunities for diverse learners

On The Line

State vs. Local ControlWith close watch on the education reform deliberations tied to school funding that took place in Albany before the April 1st state budget deadline, Garden City’s Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen (below) presented the

proposed 2015-2016 school district budget in five public work sessions beginning

in February. Because the Governor’s proposed budget did not include any public school district’s state aid figures - the first time this has happened - presenting a finalized budget for Garden City’s residents became problematic. To stand up for public education and the district’s interests, the Board of Education formed a Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) and met with Senator Kemp Hannon, Assemblyman Ed Ra and Regent Roger Tilles, and joined

forces with LACs from Manhasset and North Shore Schools to voice concerns about the sweeping education changes proposed by the Governor. Garden City’s PTA was also proactive, explaining some of the same points stressed by the LAC: With 99% of its students going on to college, Garden City Public Schools is highly successful, yet painted with the same broad strokes “failing schools” brush and subject to unneeded state mandates. Although many issues were resolved by the Senate and Assembly before April 1st in order to avoid a government shut-down, several issues remain, most notably, the Governor’s directive for a new teacher evaluation system (APPR) - the fourth in the past five years. Of concern is the increased impact that state assessments will have on teacher ratings, and the reduction of principals’ observations in favor of outside evaluators - another unfunded mandate leveled on school districts. Directed by the Governor to be put into place by June 30th by the State Education Department and Board of Regents, the new APPR system will require Garden City to again submit an APPR plan in compliance with regulations now being developed at the state level. Thanks to overwhelming pressure placed on local legislators by vocal parents and the LAC, there was some good news for Garden City Public Schools. With the legislature’s budget approval came the release of the state aid runs which indicated a net increase of $431,206. The Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), a reduction in the amounts school districts were due in state aid, has been partially restored.Garden City’s proposed budget also contained good news - a proposed increase of only 0.67% - the district’s tax levy limit under the state’s cap. Included in the budget are program enhancements, including bringing back the grade 7-8 boys and girls soccer teams, and the addition of two technology positions. “It’s been quite a while since we’ve been in the position to enhance into our educational program,” said Dr. Feirsen at the March 18th meeting.

On The BallotResidents will see three items on the ballot this May 19th. Proposition 1 is the 2015-2016 school district budget resolution. For

complete information about the proposed budget, residents can access the Budget Information tab on the district website: www.gardencity.k12.ny.us. A budget brochure and postcard will also be mailed to each resident.Proposition 2 is the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund at no cost to taxpayers. Establishing a Capital Reserve Fund by public vote allows the district to maximize resources and eliminates the need to ask the taxpayers to bond for projects too large to be contained in the annual budget. A majority vote is required to establish the reserve, and a public vote must also be held for the approval of any projects.Board of Education Members: Two current Board of Education seats are on the ballot. Running unopposed for the two seats are Robert Martin and Tom Pinou.

During Regent Roger Tilles’ visit to Homestead School for a meeting with Garden City’s LAC, he visited the new art/music addition during an art class in which students were creating pinch pots.

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April 22nd

Students in Garden City Public Schools will be celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd with various activities to raise awareness about caring for our planet. At Hemlock (above), for example, first graders are planting seeds in the courtyard and documenting their growth on iPads, and at Stratford (below), students will be creating hats made from recycled materials and holding an Earth Day Parade. The district continues to model

care of the environment by collecting 288 cubic yards of recyclables this quarter. In equivalencies,

the school district has helped to save 107 trees, 69.36 cubic feet of landfill, and 60,690 gallons of water in partnership with Royal Recycling Solutions.

Summer Learning

The classrooms at Stratford and Stewart Schools will again be filled with the sights and sounds of learning and fun this summer as Camp Invention and the Summer Enrichment Program return to Garden City Public Schools. Registration for Camp Invention, to be held at Stewart School from June 29th through

July 2nd, is now underway. Parents can sign up by following the links posted on the district website. At Stratford, the Summer Enrichment Program will again offer diverse classes for Pre-K through 11th-graders. Registration forms will also be posted to the district’s website. For more information, please contact Joe Papa, 478-1540.

Garden City Teachers’ Association’s Sixth Annual “Race For A Cure” will take place, rain or shine, on April 25th

starting at Garden City High School: 9:00 a.m.: 5K (3.1 mile)

Timed Run/Walk9:15 a.m.: 1 Mile

Untimed Fun Run/Walk Race for a Cure is sponsored by the Garden City Teachers’ Association to benefit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Race day also includes “Kites For A Cure,” a family event during which children of all ages are invited to decorate and fly kites.

The event is sponsored by Uniting Against Lung Cancer. Students are adding their support by donating bottled water for racers who complete the event. Check the district’s website for more information.

Race For A Cure

Inspiring Minds * Empowering Achievement * Building Community * All Year Long!

SUMMER

2015

Garden City Public Schools

Mon-Fri, July 6-30

ENRICHMENT

P

9 am-12 noon Grades Pre-K –11 Choose from*:

Arts & Crafts Sports Computers Woodworking Cooking Science Math Games Writers’ Workshop Coding College Essay Writing, . . . And MORE!

Four Weekly Sessions Registration Forms Available Online:

www.gardencity.k12.ny.us * Course offerings vary by age.

rogram

Camp Invention is coming to Stewart School Garden City, NY June 29 – July 2, 2015 from 8:30AM to 3:00PM

Base price before discount is $245

College Essay WritingCamp Invention

Afternoon Tea Garden City’s Sixth Annual Afternoon Tea for Senior Citizens and Past Parents will take place on Thursday, April 30th. This year’s event promises to

captivate attendees with wonderful musical performances by students in grades 5-12, serve up delightful fare supplied by Garden City merchants, host a Ladies Hat Contest with prizes, and award door prizes that include handmade silk scarves created by staff, Tea Committee members, and art students (below). Tickets are required. To register for our wait list, please contact Dr. Catherine Knight, [email protected].

Tune In!Students Featured

on ABC Special

Be sure to tune in to see Garden City High School students as they participate in WABC’s “Protect the Children” special airing on Saturday, May 2nd, 7 p.m. Students in Jen Soper’s (above, right) health education classes took part in a discussion about the dangers of bullying, cyber-bullying, and sexting at the March 18th filming. The students were guided in the discussion by Laura Campbell (above, left), Long Island Crisis Center’s Community Education Coordinator, who has met with the students for previous presentations about student health and safety. Ms. Campbell made the connection to Garden City when WABC senior producer Jeelu Billimoria contacted her. Jeelu began her annual half-hour “Protect the Children” specials for ABC 18 years ago. Garden City’s students, the only Long Island students to participate, will be featured in a short segment during the broadcast.

Arts & Crafts

www.gardencity.k12.ny.us

“It Isn’t Where You Came From, It’s Where You’re Going That Counts” Ella Fitzgerald

Best Communities for Music Education

For the third consecutive year, Garden City has been designated as one of the

nation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation. Congratulations to music and the arts curriculum coordinator Dr. Nina Prasso, the district’s music teachers, and Garden City’s outstanding and hard working musicians!

LI Science & Engineering Fair Over two days in February and March, 10 Garden City High School students participated in the Long Island Science & Engineering Fair (LISEF). For the second consecutive year, junior Yianni Flouskakos (third from right) placed second in his category, receiving a LISEF Grand Award. Science research teacher, Dr. Steven Gordon (far right) remarked, “I am very proud of Yianni and all of our science research students. They have worked tirelessly to compete at this level.”

Selected at International LevelSix high school photo students in Claire Ellerman’s classes had photographs chosen for the Photographer’s Forum 35th Annual College & High School Photography Contest. This year’s competition included over 17,000 entries from around the world. Pictured above are (left to right) Rachel Ludwiczak, Emma Bingold, Jacquelyn Gorsky, Elizabeth Scott, Melissa Ward, and teacher Claire Ellerman. (Absent: Michael Brennan).

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Nat’l Merit Scholarship FinalistsCongratulations to Michael Crapotta (center, left) and Ryan Smith (center, right), Garden City’s 2015 National Merit Scholarship Finalists. The seniors are pictured above with (left to right) Director of Guidance Gina Christel, guidance counselors Patrick Doyle and Jim Malone, and high school Principal Nanine McLaughlin. Including Michael and Ryan, Garden City has had 20 National Merit Scholarship Finalists since 2009.

With a high school career weighted GPA of 101.05, senior Michael Crapotta was named Garden City High School’s Class of 2015 Valedictorian. Achieving a career weighted GPA of 100.11, senior Kerri Heuser will represent her class as Salutatorian. The seniors are pictured with (left to right) Principal Nanine McLaughlin, and guidance counselors Patrick Doyle and Karen Whiston.Congratulations, Michael and Kerri!

2015 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

LISEF & NYS Science & Engineering FairHigh school science research student Yianni Flouskakos, pictured above with (left to right) science coordinator Dr. Elena Cascio, teacher Dr. Steven Gordon, and principal Nanine McLaughlin, was recently recognized with two prestigious awards: At the Long Island Science & Engineering Fair (LISEF), Yianni won a grand award for research he conducted last summer at Adelphi University, and at the NYS Science & Engineering Fair, Yianni received first place out of more than 200 projects.

More distinctions on page 6

“Inkspots,” the high school’s literary magazine, was ranked as “Excellent” by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Pictured here with 2014 editor Dan McElroy (seated) are students still attending the high school. (Absent: editor Nina Bangalore.) Also pictured are English coordinator Bernadette Arnone (standing, far right), and advisors Catherine Oriani and Margaux Calemmo (center row, left/right).

“Excellent” Literary Magazine National German Exam AwardsCongratulations to nine high school German students for achieving medals on the 2015 National German Exam. Pictured here are (left to right) teacher Dr. Zoran Cerar, Gold medalist Harrison Ernst, Silver medalists Andrew Tang, Robert Brosnan, Kathy Bass, John O’Hare (absent: Matthew Granville), and Bronze medalists Megan Slovensky, Daniel Kammer (absent: Jack McKernan), and coordinator Peter Giacalone.

NYS Science & Engineering FairCongratulations to high school freshman Brandon Gong, pictured here with teacher Dr. Steven Gordon and science coordinator Dr. Elena Cascio, who was awarded a second place at the New York State Science & Engineering Fair. He also received an award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for his work investigating new therapies for the treatment of diabetes. Brandon’s prize was for “a project that most creatively illustrated the ‘Steps to a Healthier U.S.’ campaign.”

Capturing Beauty and Wonder

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High School: Images by Elizabeth Scott (10), left, and Melissa Ward (10), right, were selected to receive Honorable Mentions (2 of 100) in the Photographer’s Forum 35th Annual College & High School Photography Contest, co-sponsored by Nikon. Four other students also in Mrs. Claire Ellerman’s classes were selected as Finalists from the more than 17,000 entries submitted from high schools and colleges in U.S., Canada, and around the world. All the contest finalists will be published in a hardcover book, and the images will be displayed online. See a photo of all the winners on page 3.

Middle School: Chloe Rogers (8), acrylic paint on canvas. Students in Mrs. Lori Biondi’s class created a self-portrait on a 16 x 20” canvas board using a value scale and referencing a photograph. “Chloe has achieved an excellent

understanding of proportion in her drawing and value in the painting,” said Mrs. Biondi. “I am so proud of her hard work!”

Stratford: Christine Trabold (3), paint markers. “Christine really did a beautiful job creating this spring kimono,” commented art teacher Mr. George Lucas. “It was very interesting learning about the Japanese culture and the style of clothing they wear,” said Christine.

High School: Christina Locopo (12), acrylic paint.“Christina’s Advanced Placement Studio Art work focuses on body language to tell a story,” explained AP art teacher Shawn Uttendorfer. “In this piece, she is showing a friend’s embrace.”

Hemlock: Analisa Winter (K), watercolor/oil pastel. “Kindergarten students studied

the art of still life to create beautiful Cezanne-inspired paintings,” said teacher Amanda Palmieri. “The students learned how to draw an apple using observation and shaded the fruit with complementary colors!”

qLocust: Molly Pryor (1), watercolor/tempera/ pencil/mixed media. The first grade students studied the art of landscapes,” commented Ms. Palmieri. “The students created birch trees by dipping the side of a popsicle stick in black paint and dragging it across the paper. They painted colorful sky backgrounds, carefully cut out the birch trees, and placed them in the foreground.”

Stewart: Bryan Boccafola (4), tempera paint. “For this project, the students created ‘Keith Haring Inspired Comics’,” said art teacher Melissa Pashayan. “We discussed artist Keith Haring’s work and they created their own paintings in his iconic style.”

Middle School: Kevin Freddo (8), linoleum block prints. The students completed drawings of hands, created a linocut of one drawing, and then printed over acrylic painted backgrounds. “The students loved the printing process and being able to do multiple

prints in different color combinations,” said art teacher Joe Wilkonski. “I thought this project was very successful!”

Homestead: Cassidy Wilde (K), tempera paint.“Kindergarten students studied the art of Dr. Seuss,” explained Ms. Palmieri. “The students learned about Dr. Seuss’s cartooning techniques to create a fish cartoon. They created their own version of a fish from ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’ using the primary colors and black outlines.”

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High School: Claire Gallic (10), ceramic with painted finish.

“This project was the final component in a unit of

study on the human face in

two-dimensional and three-dimensional form,” explained art

teacher Loreen McMahon.

“Capturing attitudes and expressions was a very important part of the final work.”

High School: Katie O’Sullivan (12), left, and Katie Roscoe (12), right, “went on the adventure together, photographed the same location, but took each photo presenting their own voice and unique point of view,” said teacher Jason Karp. “The photos draw the viewer into the last remaining, although no longer used, ‘beautiful’ subway station: the abandoned city hall subway stop.”

Middle School: Alexandra Valdes (8), acrylic paint on canvas. “My eighth grade students are working on self-portraits using a photograph and the grid system,” said teacher Dennis Fediw. “Students learned how to use color and value to create an accurate self-portrait. The paintings will be on display at the annual eighth grade art show scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th.

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Garden City Middle School’s Music Box Players presented Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” to three “sold out” shows on Friday and Saturday, March 13th and March 14th. The two casts captivated over 1,700 attendees for the performances. Congratulations to director Kristen Aguilo, vocal director Nancy Menges, technical director John Paul Camilleri, and the entire cast, crew, and, of course, our supportive parents. Great work telling this tale as old as time!

On Friday and Saturday, March 6th and 7th, the Garden City High School Masquers presented “Once Upon a Mattress,” the Broadway show adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s, “The Princess and the Pea.” The snow-delayed GCTA complimentary senior citizen dinner and show welcomed 60 residents for an evening treat, with nearly 1,000 guests attending the two performances. Congratulations to producer Stephen Mayo, director Katie Sckalor, and the amazing cast, crew, and parents who made the show such a success!

High School: Suzie Holobigian (9), colored pencils. “I designed a sneaker with inspiration

from the outfit worn by the character ‘Woody’ from the movie ‘Toy Story’,” explained Suzie of her work for a project entitled, “Deconstructed Cartoon Kicks.” “I used parts of his shirt for most of the shoe. I also used the wallpaper from Andy’s room on the tip of the shoe.” “Suzie did a fantastic job creating a sneaker design,” said art teacher Denise Holz. “Her design is so successful because you can look at the sneaker and know the character she is referencing, without the character itself being part of the design.”

Stars are Born!!!

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More Distinctions Earned By Garden City’s Outstanding Students

All-County ArtHigh school senior Alexandra Gemmiti was selected to receive Garden City’s Art Supervisors Association’s Scholarship. She is pictured here with coordinator of music and the arts Dr. Nina Prasso at the March 15th All County Art Exhibition held at Adelphi University. The award includes a $200 college scholarship. Alexandra created her entry in Shawn Uttendorfer’s AP Studio Art class.

Long Island’s BestFor the first time, three Advanced Placement (AP) students from Garden City High School were selected to the Heckscher Museum of Art’s Long Island’s Best Exhibit, the premiere showcase of art students’ work from 80 Long Island high schools. Pictured with teacher Shawn Uttendorfer are selected artists Lauren Padala (left) and Emily Pititto (Absent: Lindsey DeMars). The exhibit runs through April 19th.

Presidential Leadership SymposiumOn March 10th, students in Dr. Mark Quigley’s Advanced Placement U.S. Government class attended a Presidential Leadership Symposium at Hofstra University featuring Howard Dean and Ed Rollins. Students participated in an essay contest focused on presidential leadership and politics, and Mackenzie Bostrom (inset) was chosen as the winner. She was presented with a certificate, and her essay will be published in a commemorative booklet.

Girls StatePictured here with Principal Nanine McLaughlin (right) are the 2015 high school delegates to the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State Program (left to right): Lindsay Grippo (alternate) Chloe Stapleford, Natalie Hunt Garcia, and Alicia Cristoforo (alternate). Juniors Chloe and Natalie will travel to SUNY Brockport this summer for a week-long legislative session with 358 other girls from across New York State. The district and students thank the American Legion Auxiliary for its support of this opportunity!

Boys StateCongratulations to juniors (left to right) Esteban Ortiz, Yianni Flouskakos, and James Ostrowski (alternate) for being selected as Garden City’s representatives for this year’s Boys State. They are pictured above with Principal Nanine McLaughlin (left) and coordinator Jeannette Balantic. Yianni and Esteban will attend legislative sessions, court proceedings, assemblies, law-enforcement presentations, and recreational programs thanks to support by the American Legion Auxiliary.

Go APe ExhibitCongratulations to four AP art students for having work accepted to the Art League of Long Island’s (ALLI) Go APe Exhibit. Pictured above with teacher Shawn Uttendorfer are (left to right) Emily Pititto, Emily Wortmann, Erin Rode, and Christina Locopo. The Go APe Exhibit featured works by AP art students from over 80 high schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties displayed in ALLI’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery.

Historical SocietyCongratulations to 24 students who were honored with awards at this year’s Historical Society Art Contest: Lindsey DeMars, Ariella Izzo, Erin Rode, Elisa Pittella, Bridget Strysko, Zachary Kopka, Katie O’Sullivan, Erin Molloy, Emma Rujh, Jason Brown, Mary Kate Saunders, Jake Newmark, Nina Chen, Julia LoPiccolo, Riley O’Rourke, Gracie Krawiec, Anthony Casey, Nicole Geiger, Alessandra Pinto, Ava Chen, Henry Conlon, Vincent Lattuca, Olivia Vendetti, and Grace Golden.

Quiz BowlIn Garden City’s own robust version of a trivia challenge, three “finalist” teams of high school students recently competed in the 2015 Quiz Bowl, answering questions on a myriad of topics posed by teacher/moderator Kevin O’Hagan. The Dunleavy’s, Espo’s (Esposito) and Dolan’s (led by teachers of the same name) vied for the title. With a score of 57 points, team Dolan ultimately won their place on the coveted plaque.

Honor Flight GuardianGarden City High School junior James Ostrowski, pictured here with Principal Nanine McLaughlin, was selected as a “Guardian” to ride aboard the upcoming May Honor Flight to memorials in Washington, D.C. for veterans. Guardians accompany the veterans, assisting during the flight and their Washington visit. Stewart School has supported the cost of six veterans’ flights, including three veterans for the May flight on which James will travel.

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New York State # 1 - Boys SwimmingA First for Garden City - A First for Long Island!

Garden City High School’s boys varsity swim team placed first in the New York State Swim Championships on February 28th. This achievement marks a “first” for the high school and for Long Island! The team was honored at the March 18th Board of Education Regular Meeting (left)

and is pictured with coach Anne Sullivan (far left) and, at the far right, first row, Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance Dana DiCapua, Director of Athletics and Physical Education Dawn Cerrone, and Board Trustee Tom Pinou. Additionally, senior Connor Brown (inset) earned the state meet’s Most Valuable Swimmer Award for finishing in first place in both the 200 yard and 500 yard freestyle. Connor shattered section VIII records

on his way to earning All-American honors. “The boys varsity swimming and diving team enjoyed a phenomenal season as they won a conference, county and state title,” said Ms. Cerrone. “Not only was this the first time the boys won a state swim title in school history but

it was the first time the state swim title belongs to a team from Long Island. 2015 has proven to be a milestone year for our program.” And yet another accolade: Boys and girls swim coach Anne Sullivan (left) was named Nassau County Swimming Association’s Conference I Co-Coach of the Year.

Two Athletes Place Third in New York StateCongratulations to senior Tom Lane (left) for capturing Nassau County’s Individual Wrestling Championship at 182 lbs. Tom went on to represent Garden City and Nassau County at the state level, finishing third at the NYSPHSAA March 1st finals. “Tom also placed third in the Eastern states Classic where 150 teams sent

their best wrestlers,” said coach Reid Sclafani. “He’ll be wrestling in the 197 lb. class in college next year.”

On February 5th, high school junior Alina Martinez (right) qualified

to compete in the New York State Air Rifle Championships at West Point. Alina’s expert marksmanship placed her third in the state. “I was just so very happy to be at states representing the school district,” said Alina. “Hopefully, next year there will be more of us at the finals!”

Conference Champs!

Kickline & Cheer Champs!

The high school kickline team (left) won the Class III Long Island Kickline Association competition on February 8th and the Lady Trojan cheerleaders (right) finished in first place in Hofstra’s cheerleading competition.

Congratulations to the Girls Winter Track team (left) for winning the Conference III Division championship in mid-January. USA Track and Field (USATF), Long Island hosted its 16th Annual Awards Brunch

on February 15th. Honored at the ceremony was senior Laurel Fisher, pictured at left with USATF Long Island President Alex Cuozzo. She was named the Junior Female Track Athlete of the Year. “Laurel had a great season, and qualified for the NYSPHSAA intersectional relay Winter Track Finals at Cornell University,” said coach Erica Fregosi.

The Girls Bowling team (left) finished the season undefeated as Conference Champs

as did the Varsity Boys Bowling team (above)! Congratulations to girls coach Gene Rochler and boys coach Crystal Boyd.

The Girls Basketball team (left) finished the season in first place in the conference and third in the county. For the seventh consecutive time, the team won Syosset’s Holiday Tournament

(right) with senior Samantha Auricchio named the Most Outstanding Player for the fourth time!

Garden City captured multiple Conference Championships during the winter season. The Girls Fencing team (right) finished the season as Conference Champions. Congratulations to team members and coach Michael Kreidman.

The Girls Gymnastics team (left), coached by Eileen Mussler and Erin McKinstry, completed the season as undefeated Conference Champions! Congratulations to all of Garden City’s outstanding athletes on a great season! Go Trojans!

Barbara TrapassoPresident

Angela HeinemanVice President

Tom PinouTrustee

Robert MartinTrustee

Laura HastingsTrustee

Robert Feirsen, Ed.D.Superintendent

Catherine Knight, Ed.D.Coordinator of Public Information

Garden City Public Schools56 Cathedral Avenue Garden City, New York 11530www.gardencity.k12.ny.usInspiring Minds, Empowering Achievement, Building Community

Non-Profit OrganizationU. S. Postage

PAIDGarden City, NY 11530

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ResidentGarden City, NY 11530

SCOPE Shining StarsEach year, nominations are accepted for Long Island’s SCOPE awards in five categories with the goal of highlighting exceptional individuals who inspire, support, and set exemplary professional standards in the field of education. On March 23rd, three district employees were honored with SCOPE awards at the 14th Annual School District Awards Dinner. Garden City’s recipients are pictured above with Superintendent Dr. Robert Feirsen (left to right): middle school guidance counselor Robyn Weiner was awarded a Teacher Service Award; Dr. Rita Melikian, Director of Technology and Staff Development, was awarded an Administrator Service Award; and Ann Callari, high school Counseling Center secretary, was the recipient of a Support Staff Service Award. Congratulations to these professionals for their outstanding contributions to Garden City Public Schools!

Service Learning is Taken to a Whole New Level!The month of March saw the culmination of two amazing service learning projects in Garden City Public Schools. Sixth-graders participated in an annual Math-a-thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At a special assembly on March 18th, students reacted with resounding cheers (top left) as the total amount they raised by completing math problems was revealed on the auditorium’s screen: $71,159.48! Students who raised the highest totals were highlighted for their efforts (bottom left). Math teachers Mrs. Drogin, Mr. Hakes, Mrs. Nardone, Mrs. Orrego and J.P. Camilleri led the Math-a-thon efforts. The 2015 total set a new record for the school and for donations from a single school for St. Jude!

On March 31st at Stewart School, the much-anticipated Stuck for a Buck assembly took place. Teacher Brenda McCarthy announced the classes that had earned the highest totals for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients program. Teacher Chris Toomey and retired librarian James McAleese were stuck to the gym wall with strips of duct tape the students earned by doing extra chores (top right). The real excitement happened when the classes with the highest totals were announced and students got to toss whipped cream pies at Assistant Principal Susan Kenny and Principal Linda Norton (bottom right), as well as teachers Claudia Trousdell and Gina Leake. The grand “Pennies” total: $20,000+!